Damian Lillard Says Grizzlies' Ja Morant Is a 'Star' After Play-In Game Win

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant finished Saturday's play-in contest with 35 points, eight assists and four rebounds. 

He dazzled with his usual circus playmaking tricks and buried three of six shots from behind the arc. 

The Grizzlies lost to the Portland Trail Blazers 126-122, though Morant walked off the floor with plenty of praise from guard Damian Lillard, who called the 21-year-old a star already. 

The battle for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference required Memphis to win two games before the Blazers could win once—a task that became even more daunting as Lillard averaged 51.3 points over his last three games. 

He added another 31 points Saturday with his backcourt mate CJ McCollum pouring in 29 points himself. The most clutch shot from McCollum saw Morant get crossed up on a step-back with less than two minutes to play. 

It was a learning moment for the rookie, and if his first year in the league is any indication, it's one he'll grow from rather quickly.